Sanctuary Masai Mara Seasonal Camp

In his 14 years at Sanctuary Olonana; he has attended various refresher courses at Kenya Utali College.
He has excelled through several ranks in the operation from, Room Steward, Head House Keeper, Guest Relations Manager, Front Office Manager and has now been promoted to Lodge Manager of Olonana.

Christine RukwaroAssistant Manager

Christine went to Kenya Utalii College for her Industrial Training at the Computer Centre and that’s when she fell in love with the Hospitality Industry.
Her entrance into the hospitality Industry was in 2009 when she worked as a Restaurant Manager at Mumias Sugar. She later joined Sanctuary Retreats as Guest Relations Officer in June 2010 and has since been promoted to Assistant Manager at Sanctuary Olonana.

John Mwanzia (Big John)Head Chef

Big John was born in Kitui County south Eastern parts of Kenya. He Joined Kanziku primary school and proceeded to Muthue Secondary School. After his high school, he worked as a teacher with the ministry of education. He trained in al’acarte cookery and Kitchen management with Kenya Utalii College.
He joined Mombasa Thousand palms beach hotel as a trainee in the kitchen and later employed as a breakfast cook. In 1993, he joined Mombasa Alpha Marine beach hotels as the Head cook until he left to join Mombasa Intercontinental Beach Hotel as a Sous Chef.
In 2002, he joined Tsavo park hotels as a chef. During this time, he managed three units and trained the kitchen staff. In the year 2004 he joined Sanctuary Olonana as the executive Chef where he has worked up to date.
“I am enthusiastic to always serve my guests well presented quality and healthy food. My best dish is fresh Olonana Salad because it is always fresh from my WOW organic garden. It also my signature dish”

Abdul Karim MuturiHead Guide

Abdul decided from a young age that he wanted to be a guide. After working as a naturalist for many years he joined Sanctuary Olonana seven years ago. Given the opportunity to do anything else, Abdul says he would still stick with guiding. He enjoys nothing more than to find animals a guest would never expect to see. He believes in continuous learning and to pass on his skills to other young guides. Now he leads a team of six dedicated guides.

Joseph Ole Koyie Head Naturalist and Guide

Joseph who is also a traditional Masai warrior has an incredible knowledge and passion for the Masai Mara, her fauna, flora and people. This was evident when he won the Born Free Most Responsible Safari Guide Award and the 2012 Eco-tourism Guide of the Year award. During his awards speech he said ”I am very proud to have won this important guiding award. As guides we are all responsible for ensuring that our game drives do not harm or disturb the wildlife and habitats that our guests come to visit.

ElizabethSpa Therapist

Elizabeth who is the camps’ beauty/body therapist has been with Sanctuary for five years now. She loves interacting with her guests and says “I love my job because it’s what I love to do most” A few of her favorite spa treatments are: Thalgo organic facial as it gives instant results. The Africology signature solutions as it is a holistic treatment that includes a body scrub, body wrap, body massage and a facial.

Ambrose Masinya JimmySous Chef

Since joining three years ago, Ambrose has moved from being a pastry chef to a sous chef, assistant to the executive chef. His day is a busy one involving organising the kitchen, planning the day’s menus and activities and cooking with the kitchen team. With a background as a pastry chef, he still has a soft spot for desserts, especially carrot cake.